Still much to be done to tackle domestic abuse

Solicitor General tells conference that new laws will help tackle continuing problem

News, 6 December 2005

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Elish Angiolini, the Solicitor General for Scotland, has said that there is still a tendency for Scots to turn a blind eye to domestic abuse between spouses.

Speaking at a domestic abuse conference in Edinburgh yesterday, Ms Angiolini said there was still much to be done to challenge the "accepted norm" of domestic violence in society. She added that abuse in the home was rarely confined to the home.

The one-day conference looked at all aspects of domestic abuse and heard how the prosecution service in Scotland is working with partners in the criminal justice system to ensure that domestic abuse offences are dealt with effectively, and that necessary support is provided to victims.

Ms Angiolini continued: "The vulnerable witness legislation, along with other laws, are capable of providing vital protection to those experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland.

"I am convinced that these laws, together with a will within our communities to tackle domestic abuse where it is encountered, provide the key to ending this violence that is perpetuated in the home, but characteristic of the wider culture of violence which we see in society."

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